Well it's not suprise that Bush wants a conservative court. That was one of the issues he ran on.

But in addition to bolstering the conservative leanings of the court, this also allows them to move foward with a full court (since O'Connor said she'll stay on until they find a replacement) and avoiding 4-4 splits.

Anyway, it's not a suprising move at all to me.

And of course, the Democrats are now calling to hold off on messing with the courst until Katrina gets sorted out. Somehow I don't think they'd have the same attitude if it were their noniminee. It feels to me like since they can't really find much negative to say about Roberts, they are going to use Katrina to delay the prceedings and give them a chance to find a firmer foothold. Were the situation reveresed, I have no dobut the Republicans would be doing exactly the same thing.